Uganda: Ribe Pi Pace (RPP) – RE: Milita Approach of Commercial Charcoal Dealers & teh Uganda Police Syndicatted Involvement in the Vice (14.05.2023)

Opinion: Militarism has a price and Kampala is feeling the pinch…

Today, the recent tally in the hands of security, law enforcement and people in uniform has run up to five in 11 days. After another incident involving a security officer with a gun killing a colleague. That is happening within mere days of the assassination of the Minister. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement and their choices in ways of governing is coming back to bite.

The NRM has entangled itself a massive haul of guns. A nation filled with “hired” guns and with private security companies. Also in additional police and army units, which are mostly armed as well. If you didn’t that was enough… just earlier this month there was reports that 114,000 guns are unregistered. Meaning there is a lot of arms about without any sort of trace or ability to quickly find in the government registry. Which is giving leeway to armed and vicious people…

We know the NRM has a lot of blood on its hands. There have been like every year in its existence some sort of “mysterious death”. Where people has died in mysterious circumstances or has vanished. If not they have been bloody murdered, but no one can find the culprit or the ones behind the killing. Therefore, this isn’t new…

What is new is that Police Officers are killing civilians on tape. What is new is seeing and hearing security officers on the run after a shooting incident. What is new is hearing VIP Security Officers killing the one they are looking after. Because, in the past it’s been secret details or “hoodlums” who has passed by and done the deed. Before going into thin-air and no one finding out who did it or why…

Now… there is reasons for this. The NRM are stingy with it pockets. The Law Enforcement, Soldiers and Security are badly paid. Their stomachs are possibly growling. They are not living large or well. The men are armed and have bullets, but they don’t have sufficient pay or allowances. While the people they are looking after and ensuring the safety of … is easily bashing in wealth.

The Government have to handle this one. They are endangering society now. The ordinary day-to-day life. The livelihoods and daily operations is at stake if this continues. The men with arms cannot be hungry, distressed or concerned. That’s why they are pulling the triggers and causing even more suffering. They have no other way to go and the only thing they know is to pull the trigger. That isn’t solving anything, but at least they get of some “steam”. When doing so they are killing a third or an innocent party… who isn’t the reason for their troubles. The trouble comes from the “high above” and in the chain of command.

The NRM has used guns, the President is living by the gun and now his people is dying by it too. It isn’t just one rare incident. No, this is a systemic one now. It isn’t only stolen gun or one basket-case of an individual. No, this is a sign and should make people worried. Five people have now died as cause of this. That is a pattern…

The only thing NRM could thump up its chest about was “safety” and “peace”. Now the way and the NRM Way is hurting itself. The idea that guns can solve everything is biting back hard. The thought that the more guns, the more you are safe is wrong. Especially, if the ones holding the arms are hungry or at a state of mind… that this is the last resort. The gunman, the man of arms who are employed or part of a security organisation has to be taken care of. If his not… his a danger to society and can easily pop-off. He got training and knows how to aim. That’s his job and his duty. So, if has trouble and got no other avenue to rectify his troubles. He will go to the gun and follow the example of His Excellency.

That’s why it’s tragic. These people haven’t seen another way out. The sought this way, because of desperation and need. They were cornered and went to their “safe-have” – the gun.

Now… in 2023 the NRM got a gun problem. Not only the 114,000 unregistered ones. They got a massive undertaking of their whole security apparatus and how these things are organized. Because, they got to take better care of the law enforcement, soldiers and in general security personnel. If they don’t… we will see more incidents, more murder and more suffering.

The NRM has a choice now. They can either try to act upon the issue or hope people forget. However, the ones with the guns will not forget and they easily access weapons. That’s why this is a dangerous game to play. Sooner or later the bullets are flying. Sooner or later the blood is running and life is lost. That could have been avoided, but will NRM do anything about it?

It goes against the militarism of society, politics and everything NRM touches. Arms has been the go-to choice of remedy. We just have to see if the NRM can find another way. I doubt it… Peace.

Opinion: A “Ugandan way of war” is to fix potholes…

“Mission: To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation” (UPDF – About Special Forces Command).

“First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba together with the KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaaka, tour the potholed 6th Street road in the Industrial Area on Wednesday. Eng Justus Akankwasa, the director of engineering at KCCA, said SFC and the UPDF Engineering Brigade have offered to join hands in rehabilitating all the roads in Kampala” (Daily Monitor, 10.05.2023).

When reading that the KCCA and UPDF Special Forces Command will have a hand in fixing the potholes in Kampala. It got me bugging. We already know that the UPDF is out there handling so much civilian activities and partaking in government works. Still, now a unit run and been controlled by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is getting in-charge and getting his hands on road maintenance in Kampala.

You can just wonder if this is a special operation or a unique one. Because, what does the SFC know about asphalt, bitumen or anything of that matter. When we know how faulty the likes of Dott Services is… how bad will it be with the SFC at the helm. This isn’t burning down a royal palace in Kasese. Neither is this a command operation to kill or assassinate a religious hoodlum either. No, this is building roads and the SFC got nothing to do there.

Seriously, the KCCA and UNRA should be ashamed that they are allowing this. They got no choice. The high above is allowing his kid to toy around in everyone’s backyard and act like an unelected overlord. However, they are only showing no backbone and no integrity.

Who believes the SFC has the engineers or the capacity to fix the roads? They are not a building company, an engineering one or have brains to do this. It is really weird seeing the national military being an engineering, contractor and a renovator. This is just out of bound for what a military is supposed to do. The UPDF should fix hospitals, stadiums or roads. No, that should be civilian entities with the government tenders from government entities. Not a military organization partaking in the action and getting a cut. Because, that’s how things are transpiring now.

That a Unit made for Special Operations and run by the First Son is now getting in-charge and acting as a engineering unit is weird. The SFC should be busy training for foreign invaders and securing the borders of the nation. They shouldn’t think of the roads of the capital. That’s for the KCCA and UNRA to work upon. How come there is money for the SFC to do this, but not for the ones mentioned?

Because I doubt the SFC will do this for “free” and out of “patriotic duty”. No, the SFC and UPDF will be allocated funds and budgets to cover the expenses of these things. They won’t touch it unless there is money to be made. That’s just the gist of things.

You can call this versatile, but a way of war it is not. The army and their commandos should be busy securing the borders, the national integrity and do army stuff. They shouldn’t be concerned with buildings, roads or any of those sorts. Because it is not in their mandate. That isn’t army works, but civilian works and with companies to do so.

This is dumb, stupid and dumb. It is utter nonsense, and they should get called out for it. Peace.

The unfortunate tale of Sheebah and Mwenda

In the last few days there been a circulated a story about a sexual assault or rape of the Queen Karma or Sheebah Kalungi. This happened during or after she performed at former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany’s Birthday party.

After the party, the musician and vocal singer released a video on social media not dropping any names, but telling her story of what went down. Where she told about the sexual assault and alleged rape. Some has called it the “forced fingering” of her, nevertheless, any sort of sexual action without consent is wrong. That is just a mere fact and shouldn’t be any shadow of a doubt.

What has spiralled out since then is a heck of a lot. The Independent Editor and Government Spin-Doctor has defended himself at a rapid rate. Where he has talked to the Director of CID and been interrogated by his buddy and ally, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. That’s why something is up, while attacking her the victim, which she didn’t name the one who assaulted her or anything.

Sheebah just stated in her video that it was a man who “appears on television” and presents himself as a “Role Model”. Those words has seriously hit a nerve. As well, as the detail, that the person had Special Forces Command (SFC) Guards surrounding him and guarding him. Therefore, we know it is someone who has suction and who is a part of the inner-circle. That’s why the outbursts and texts from Mwenda seems like damage control.

All we know… is that Sheebah was violated and was sexually assaulted that night. That is all we know. We knew nothing about who did and whatnot. There are rumours and speculation. Nevertheless, Mwenda seems to be on the defensive and that’s his personally attacked by this. While not being really concerned or minding the victim, Sheebah. That is really saying something and it’s striking too.

It is just weird… that the prominent person, who appears on television and acts as a role model could be Mwenda. That could be plenty of persons in the Republic. Maybe there is a limit of the people who shows up on UBC, NTV and NBS Television who acts like that. Maybe it’s only Mwenda who hits the description, because there is few who is prominent and who acts like they are a role model. We don’t know why he has come out and done this.

However, it is very serious. Both the allegations and the acts of sexual assault. Sheebah should get her justice and there shouldn’t be mob-justice without any proof. Nevertheless, Mwenda is stirring the pot, he is throwing gasoline on the fire and cannot escape the heat. That is very evident…

What is very obvious is that we don’t know who is the culprit and who did the deed. However, Mwenda is muddying the water and making it less clear or able to make sense of it all. As he accuses her of slander, alleged victimhood and whatnot. When she is the victim of it all and only dared to speak out. That’s what obnoxious about Mwenda… and he should reconsider his motives and arguments, as his only making things worse. His not making things better… even if he thinks so in his mind. Because, the perception is dark and grim.

Sheebah deserves justice. The possible perpetrator should answer in a court of law. However, I doubt that will happen and someone well-connected did it. This is why she didn’t say his name. That is very obvious and should speak volumes of her.

Whatever Mwenda is up too…. I don’t know, but it’s doing himself a disservice. He should know that as a spin-doctor, but it seems like a lost art-form for him now. This is to personal and that’s why he cannot handle it rationally. Peace.

Opinion: NRMs Militarism is Back-at-It again!

Gen. Sejusa arrested on 11.05.2016

Isn’t it strange that the same days the associates and former aides of General David Sejusa, the man who has defied his master, the one who will not be retired as a General. Still, have the title and salary, even if he never does a working day again. His people is now also out of prison out of treason charges. Well, that was political manifested charges and therefore, the Court Martial had at one point to drop them.

Now, as this is happening. The army is boosting the Police Force again. Just as if it fixes mosquito nets, illegal fishing and even catch criminals, because the Police Force has enough to do to even follow up on the political activity of opposition. They got no time catching real criminals; those days are long gone in the Republic.

That is why the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Government (IG) and the other anti-corruption agencies needs the lieutenant from the State House to clear the shop now and then. Not follow procedures of the PPDA, OAG, IGG or anyone else, no awaiting orders from the Special Unit at the State House.

In the same manner, that the CMI and ISO suddenly together with the Flying Squad can ambush anyone, they can arrest and detain without any probable cause, other than they had the opportunity to do so. That is why, who knows even when next time the former squad, the Special Force Command of the now Presidential Advisor and Son of the President, Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga will turn up in Parliament or elsewhere to arrest or burn a royal palace as ordered from high above. Well, to even think like that should be treason, but in the perspective of recent history. Not farfetched or even inconsiderable.

In this troubling time of ours, as the state is militarism yet again. As it does before elections, with new units, boosting of the Police Force, CCTV Cameras and more charges on opposition members. We can just await scandals of procurement in the Police, in the army and elsewhere in connection of power. That is just what they do.

They also start massive training of the LDU’s, they will fix more battalions, they will have own organization behind them; just like the Crime Preventers did and the funding will come. Just as big as the water-bill of the State House and even some, supplement budgets their way. Because, these military men are big function before the big days. The NRM and President needs these to spread his message and his memo. That this leadership cannot be there without excessive force and guns in the near proximity of the voters.

That is why Sejusa and his people is out too. So, that his ways can be in the way. That the former general and CMI leader can tell it like it is. That he can be charged again and used as a tool of how the UPDF and UPF are not supposed to act, they are supposed to follow the President blindly, not think for themselves. Sejusa thinks too much and his free thinking ways is not fitting the paradigm of the NRM. That is why his out loose and bouncing.

That the IGP now have more men around him with military background is more a sign, which the UPF cannot manage without the army behind it. The Police Force is weak, the various units are not boosted or having the manpower it needs. Not all the shifts, all the changes of leadership and such have helped it. They are sinking and doesn’t know what hit them, even if everyone else see it around them.

The militarism, the lack of other ways than the guns. Is the reason for all this news. That the NRM and the President are using these methods to beat the system into his ways. This is what he knows. That is why, there will be more movement of loyal army leaders, don’t be shocked and don’t b surprised if it is more frequent as the General Election are coming up.

The UPDF will come and save SACCOs, NAADs, Fishermen, Ghettos, and whatever it takes to get the throne. They will even run hospitals, if it was up to the President. He would send some of loyal soldiers to patch up the hurt, instead of having civilians running these places. He knows, they wouldn’t dare to challenge his authority or his decree as these doctors and specialists are doing.

Well, these is just our troubling times with yet more militarised institutions. New levels of intimidation and securing, facilitating and ensuring the next up-coming elections go in favour of the President. That is just what he does. Now, with a few more loyal cadres inside the Police Force, who he knows will follow his command. Peace.

Opinion: Bosco’s weird arguments for blocking public gatherings!

Well, its been a while since the President have addressed the public. Maybe, after meeting the diplomats from European Union at the State House of Entebbe. They told the old man with the hat, that he should try to sway public opinion about the acts of the Police Force and Army, which is used as tools to shutdown the Opposition. The President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni trying to defend the acts of the authorities, isn’t surprising, they are doing his bidding. I will not dissect the whole article published today, but just the vital parts in my opinion. Because lots of is his own self-praising, that he does at every opportunity he have. It is just his M.O at this point.

“If you want to hold a public meeting (olu kungana) or a procession (ekivulu) for a legitimate reason, you should liaise with the Police, so that your public meeting or your procession does not endanger the lives of other Ugandans or the safety of their property. You agree with the Police on the route, if it involves a procession, or the venue if it is an event or a rally. The problem we have with some elements of the opposition is that they ignore this. They want to hold meetings or processions near markets or through crowded streets. This one we cannot allow” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 05.05.2019).

What is weird about this argument is that he thinks the public is so ignorant and so blind to the activity of the opposition. Especially, the consideration of the applications and notifications of all public rallies, all ones done by the opposition. They have complied, but still the Police Force have blocked it. If it is concerts of Kyarenga Extra of Bobi Wine or any rally in any district by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The notification and even the paying the stadiums and town gardens are blocked by the Police Force, even before it is starting. So, we know the state is not allowing the gathering of the FDC or real opposition by all means. Not for safety, but because they challenge Bosco. So, his issues are also backfiring. As the government party and ruling regime are allowed to do processions without any issues or public gathering where-ever it fits, even public markets like the Owino Market in Kampala. So, the President really thinks the public is stupid like his cows.

“Therefore, if you want to assemble publically or to procession, it must be for a legitimate reason. If it is to preach hate, to decampaign investments in Uganda etc., then we shall not allow you. Those who have ignored this logic have paid a heavy price” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 05.05.2019).

What is legitimate reasons? Is it stand for your sole candidacy or your causes? Because, anyone else will be shutdown, met with tear-gas and arrests. That is just what happens, if not blocked or house-arrested before entering the paid venue. This is just what is happening, as the Police Force are steady monitoring the acts of the opposition and criminalizing all their activities. Therefore, whatever they do is illegitimate in your eyes and by your authorities. They can never win, they can only loose.

They can notify and negotiate with the Police Force for a rally, a conference and even a concert, but by the ordinary option. The Police will block it or even disperse the crowds before entering the venue. That’s why his assessment is bit far fetched. There are no way the Police Force are accepting rallies, except in a limited window of an election roadmap, but even then the Police can close a rally then.

So anything that his not interfering with the ego of the President and his comrades. The rest have to beg for mercy to legitimate or be like Mama Mabira who kissed the ring. That is just who he his. Also, last part, which needs to be addressed:

“However, I also disapprove of the method the Police used to break the glass of Bobi Wine’s car. They should have towed the vehicle to wherever they wanted him to be” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 05.05.2019).

This one is really ironic, because this has been done to plenty of politicians in Uganda. This is not a new tactic of the Police. They have destroyed glass to throw in tear-gas into the vehicle. I know of plenty of times this has been done in the Republic. The Police Force have even towed Besigye across several districts to the closest prison at one point. So, he wanted the same thing when Bobi Wine crossed to property at One Love Beach and drag him to Mukono. Because, that is okay of them without warrants or even charges. This shows his lack of respect of individual freedom, which is only given to Jajja, but not the public in general.

This text shall be a warning, that all opposition is by all practicality illegitimate in the eyes of the President. Not that this is new, he has called by them all names and said he would destroy them. Surely, this sort of defence is showing his intent before the 2021 election. There is nowhere to hide, as they are clearly not spreading the message, the almighty accepts. But, we knew that already. Peace.

What if the Public Order Management Act (POMA) was aimed at the National Resistance Movement?

I wonder, this is an experiment, what if the Public Order Management Act was measured in way, where it didn’t hurt the opposition or any dissidents of the government, the President and the National Resistance Movement, but instead went directly and worked against them. I know, its impossible at this point of time, but that is why this an example. An example that has been running in my mind all day.

Let’s say President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was stopping in a roundabout in the middle of Kampala or even at Owino Market without any prior notification to the authorities. Where he would cease the ordinary life and people would congregate around his Toyato Land Cruiser, but also around the convoy of Special Force Command (SFC) and so-on. Still, because he didn’t apply to be there and hold this meeting.

The authorities would than be sanctioned to send the Police Force, the Residential District Commander together with the Regional Police Commander and the Kampala Metropolitan Police had to intervene. They could even send the Flying Squad there to stop the crowds to gather around the President. Arrest the “ring-leaders”, the people who he was planning to meet. Seal of the venues and tear-gas the crowds. Even put the President in the back of the black-van and drive him back to Okello House. Where he would be in House-Arrest until he followed the Police Order and didn’t incite violence. As he did on that day without notification to have a meeting with random people on the streets of Kampala.

In the same fashion as the National Resistance Movement was planning to hold a Conference and Leadership Training at Kyankwanzi. The Party would have to inform about the planned scheduled program, about the media meetings and the addresses, where the press is supposed to participate at the venue. Where the Police Force would swiftly deny entry because they don’t have manpower to keep the NRM safe or the public. As the NRM would still go ahead on their own property, the Police Force would have to seal of the venue, arrest Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Dr. Tanga Odoi. As they are parts of this, others that might be picked for rowdy behaviour and inciting violence would be Frank Tumbewaze, Ofwono Opondo, Kahinda Otafiire and Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza. All of them would be behind bars, awaiting trials for unknown alleged circumstances and the state awaiting to produce the evidence of it.

As those circumstances and contexts seems fine and dandy. There are others, that would seem fitting too. Since the NRM likes to ferry crowds in and around election times. Let say the NRM went around with their gadgets, their little soaps, foods and thousand shillings notes to the villages,as the NRM Village Projects always appear on the Campaign Trail of the Party.

As your playing that in your mind, as the NRM are travelling in the deep villages of Moroto or Adjumani. As the NRM Buses are ferrying crowds to the venues of the nearby stadiums. Where the President, his musicians and the SFC is in and about. The Police Force are coming with their mambas, arresting the coordinators of the Campaign. The driver of the President is taken to unknown location. His Land Cruiser is towed while he is still in it. The shocked NRM Party are following and trying to block the Police from doing this. While Secretary General Lumumba is trying to alarm the press. The NBS and NTV journalists following the Campaign Convoy is arrested and heading by another police van to Arua. The President is landing at the Moroto Magistrate Court, where his charged quickly before his airlifted to Luzira Maximum Security Prison. While the rest of the Campaign Team is either trying to get detained activists out of prison in Moroto Military Prison or awaiting trial themselves. Since, they have all broken the peace and public order by ferrying the crowds to the venue. A venue they hadn’t the clearance of the Police or the Police didn’t care about the notification and stopped it anyhow.

This was just three random scenarios. Very real scenarios, which the Opposition meets every day and all the time. Especially, when trying to gather or do political work. They cannot manage to do it, without the police intervening or being in the way of their work. The Opposition, if they try, they end up house-arrested, detained or charged with a crime. Even if the only thing they tried to do, was to actually do party work.

So, when the likes of Frank Tumwebaze saying the Police have made the Opposition heroes. Well, the Police have made them felons and outlaws, by just doing their duty and to be the checks and balances in the system. In a system that monitor, control and charge them, any time they can. This is the system that is built around the Public Order Management Act, as the Opposition has to beg to gather and do political work. Which is not a given, because the Police can use any reason or any excuse not too. That is just the way it is, but the NRM can do whatever, since the President and NRM has the Police and the Army. That is why the President can make a meeting without any form of notification and doesn’t need to follow the POMA. Even if he should, because he shouldn’t be above the law, but actually abide to it. Like everyone else. Peace.

Ministry of Health Statement to Parliament on Cholera Outbreak in Kampala City, 9th January 2019 (09.01.2019)

Uganda: Ministry of Health – Press Release – Cholera Outbreak in Kampala (11.01.2019)

Opinion: Someone was arrested over nothing – Just for name-calling Bosco!

‘

You a certain individual have been ruling the Republic too long. When the news of arrests being done in the aftermath of your to brazen convoy passes on narrow roads. Where the local youth are addressing the steady progress and the inefficiency of the government, by arresting them. This being the Presidential Convoy, being hazzelled by the youth, as the Presidential Guards felt they insulted the old man with the hat, the grandfather of rap and the State House. They insulted him, nicknaming him. What they already are calling him: BOSCO.

Here is the news. Check it out.

Reported by Sadat Mbogo: “Kasumba allegedly abused the President on January 1 as he ( Museveni) was travelling from St. John’s Cathedral, Kasaka where he had attended New Year’s church service. “When his [Museveni’s] convoy reached Kanoni Town, Special Forces Command soldiers reportedly ordered one of the drivers to move his vehicle from the road to allow the presidential motorcade pass. This is when a group of youth allegedly led by Kasumba started exchanging words with the soldiers and abused President Museveni, calling him all sorts of names including Bosco. They also blamed him of constructing narrow roads,” a police source who did not want to be named because he’s not authorized to speak to the media said on Thursday” (Sadat Mbogo – ‘19-year-old man arrested for annoying Museveni’, 04.01.2019, link: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/19-year-old-man-arrested-annoying-Museveni/688334-4921200-c5nuqez/index.html).

My first thought, is what sort of violation did the man and what law did he break? How come he get a criminal record for calling the President Bosco? Something, plenty does after the MTN Commercial came on the screen during 2018. Mr. President has so many nicknames, that he should be grateful, the youth didn’t call him anything from the Leopards Anus, Mr. Sunday, M-7 or anything else you could put on the old man with the hat.

Grandpa President, better chill and his Presidential Guards needs some guidance too. Because, I wonder still, what law did the man break? Did he carry a Arua Stone? Did he spread hot-air and create fuzz by saying the truth about the road?

Are you not allowed to tell officials and guards about the situation, as the Presidential Convoy takes the space on the way and presses the locals away. As the roads where the Presidential Convoy passed through, weren’t build for all this traffic. In that moment, the youthful made a statement and told the truth. A truth that was too brutal, that the man becomes a felon for doing so. Instead of consoling the citizen and caring for the words put. They have arrested him.

Seems like they are using the Sub-section 167 of the Penal Code: “(d) publicly conducts himself or herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace”. Which is really special, because speaking to the Presidential Guards as the Presidential Convoy are passing is called breaching the peace.

Would mean, that the soil that the President graces cannot be touched or anyone can cross that. Without fearing that they can be arrested. As the old-man with the hat has to travel on the roads, everyone has to give it a pass and not show their faces. They should be afraid to be close. Because if they are. They could all be arrested for all sorts of reasons.

Bosco cannot handle it and they will use all the means of the law to show their power. Since, there is no love lost between the community and the President. Since there is apparently, none. Peace.